Kelowna's Tree of Hope lights up

It must be the beginning of the Christmas season in Kelowna.

The annual tradition of lighting the Tree of Hope in the Landmark District took place Friday evening amid the usual oohs and ahs from the spectators gathered around the iconic site

Standing tall at 120 feet, covered in 25,000 LED bulbs, it has become a symbol of charitable good, as it has continued to raise millions of dollars for different charities and organizations.

This year, all the donations will go towards the Central Okanagan Food Bank (COFB).

“This investment will enhance COFB’s ability to provide its clients with reliable access to food and proper nutrition, Ken Stober, President of the Stober Foundation said in a media release. “Moreover, it will also fund a pilot project that aims at supporting their clientele with additional professional development resources for growth and access to bursaries for the pursuit of post secondary education.”

Following the light up ceremony, folks were treated to the Winter Wonderland Holiday Market on the 19th floor of Landmark 7.

The high-rise market also runs from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Saturday.

This serves as a sneak peak to the future home of the Kelowna Farmers and Crafters’ Market set to move outdoors to the Landmark District in April 2024.

Admission into the Holiday Market is $5 by donation – a percentage of which will be going to the Central Okanagan Food Bank.

Kelowna10 was on scene for the light up, check out the video for some sights and sounds of the evening.